MEGA FM SYNTH, Double FM of A Sega MegaDrive

The TWISTED ELECTRONS MEGA FM, Funnily enough this was. announced within a week of my sega megadrive synth, so it certainly peaked my curiosity.
more info :- twisted-electrons.com/product...
THE AUDIO FROM THE MEGA FM IN THIS VIDEO. 20 minutes Worth Available As Samples Here :-
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THE WHOLE LIVESTREAM FROM THE VID :- / looking-at-mega-39429690
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Always looking for old gear! to mod or conserve in the "museum of everything else" one day
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[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

What do you think to this machine??? have you used one? ISOLATED SYNTH AUDIO FROM THE MEGA FM JAM AT THE END AVAILABLE TO SAMPLE HERE :) www.patreon.com/posts/41555262

[@zotteke1991]

This thing sounds awesome

[@xkillersmurfx]

Amazing I want one!!

[@illustriouschin]

I have one and it sounds amazing though you make yours sound better. 😉

[@austinbytts]

I'm having a lot of fun with mine! It's nice to have a bit of a unique poly around.

[@UltimatePwnageNL]

I have not used one but i know a beautifully made product when i see one and this thing looks like a quality small batch product. I wonder how many they'll make?

[@mulkytool]

The only synthesizer with blast processing.

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

hahahahahaha

[@funkyboss007]

Omg the reference from my childhood

[@JasonMontell2501]

It does what Nintendon't

[@ish233]

Wow, that's a memory

[@johngage7456]

I remember that commercial lol

[@dxtxzbunchanumbers]

No matter what, the sound of the Genesis chips makes you either feel like a vigilante/ninja beating up similarly clad thugs or a dolphin fighting aliens

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Yeah! I get ya

[@corezone4250]

That’s the power of FM! :P

[@infinitemillennium3821]

Nice reference to Ecco, Shinobi and Streets of Rage.

[@Lordy-Lord]

That or it makes you feel like a blue fast hedgehog fighting a giant walking egg

[@TedBrownMedia]

Astronaut Dolphin Detective within Mr Pickles is based on the Dolphin From Sega Echo the dolphin.

[@truecuckoo]

MUST PURCHASE NOW!!! 🤤

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Hahahahaha

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

It's proper your vibe!

[@SexyNinjaMonkey]

DO IT!!! And then make one of your marvellous tutorials.

[@SHINdanny]

why not bake some Cuckoo Cookies? MegaD FM can wait...

[@MrChuckDugan]

Voice over: He did

[@mairuzu1]

I picked up a YM2616 in a capsule toy machine in Tokyo. There were random Yamaha FM chips in the machine.

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

no way they have machines that give out chips thats mad haha

[@stensarapson2378]

Hahaa!. Imagine trying to pitch that idea to the capsule toy marketing team succesfully :D

[@morgulbrut]

But why?

[@dwellerinblack7816]

100% jealous of Japan rn

[@busted_keys]

Time for an all-vending-machine-parts DIY synth challenge! Like if Junkyard Wars took place inside a Japanese game center

[@McTroyd]

FM synthesis behaving like subtractive synthesis?!? Mind-blown! 💥 That's awesome. Looks to be worth every penny.

[@jet_punch6872]

it’ll always be astounding how good an old console sounds when you slap some knobs on it

[@lyh1]

Finally we dont need to dive in to the deep menu to play with FM hardware.

[@Gin-toki]

Aggressive sounds! Nice! Have had a keen eye on this synth for some time now, might end up bying one.

[@noisetv1863]

I've had my eyes on this since it came out! Need to save my pennies for this one.

[@Sycokay]

Twisted Electrons are GREAT. I have a SID synth from them. May they live long and prosper!

[@vojtechtax9723]

This thing sounds godly, I really admire your skill in operating "dem knobz"

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

and fader`zzzzzz:O

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

its just clumsy mashing tbh ha

[@timtitus7861]

Amazing. Some really cool sounds living in that thing. Let the beast out.

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

takes a bit of getting used to but yeah!!!

[@AndrewTSq]

love how the sound can change completely while only adjusting a little bit :) seems like a cool synth. A bit pricey for me, but looks solid built so probably worth every penny.

[@shay5025]

Altered Beast!

[@chinossynthesizer705]

@Knobcore do you know the zyrinx sound driver

[@zambe1915]

I like how you make all of these crazy instruments out of anything. I like the stuff you make better.

[@ms.maestroon27]

Coming across your Megadrive video was my catalyst to start looking into this kind of stuff! Recently picked up a KX88 for pretty much nothing with original accessories. Taking the leap into electronic sound equipment! Love the videos, mate!! :)

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Cool 😀

[@theblacksheephaven]

That's freaking awesome! Rather pricey but looks fun! You always inspire me to create so I think I'll go play on my MicroBrute for awhile.

[@adammelvin4753]

Holy moly, that sounds so damn good!

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

:D

[@scifu7e91]

Interesting thing that has a lot to change and control. Enjoy the rest of this week, have fun and a nice start into the new week 👋🙂

[@julieftherulies]

this video was all over the place and i loved it so much (:

[@crowlian]

Can't wait to visit your museum and the UK next year!

[@davidvallejo9184]

brother I am studying electronics but I want to dedicate myself to this, you are my inspiration!!

[@vvlvmusic]

04:03 DAMN, that monophonic mode... sounds extremely nice. Looks like a fun synth, especially if you have that special place in your heart for the Mega Drive (Genesis). edit: and the way you can switch through the operators seems a lot of fun as well.

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

yeahhhhh nostalgia but also pretty damn useable

[@Spaghettaboutit]

At 4:03 he isn't in monophonic mode - he is in the 12 polyphonic mode - and the 4 operators are being played as 4 audio oscillators - so technically if you could play all 12 triggered notes, then you could hear 48 different notes. You'd just have to tune each operator to a different frequency. FM is crazy and fun.

[@alexlokanin3312]

It has a VST. Definitely checking it out

[@mattzere78]

cant get it to work on mac, anyone having any joy with it on mac?

[@alexlokanin3312]

@@mattzere78 What are you using? If you're using Ableton then I had to check that the program used not just VST3 but also VST2 plugins. I'm on Windows though

[@warpigs330]

@@mattzere78 if you want a vst that emulates these chips check out Genny.

[@kamikazeSpacePR]

@@mattzere78 The VST is to control the hardware via the DAW using sysex.

[@93maximaguy]

Thanks for the sweet morning beats!

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

goood morning!

[@xXCatsLoverXx]

I might need this, I absolutely love the sounds you got out of this. Although, I think that about almost everything you get your hands on.

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

😀

[@ragnarlobrok2717]

Impressive some nice beats and the talking hand helped me understand it a lot better :D

[@ExcessiveSpareTime]

I look forward to hearing this on your next EP.

[@ManCalledMif]

looks amazing!

[@tysoncarlson6778]

Disasterpeace in a box. Love it. Love these tones.

[@DigitalStains]

This looks like the most hands-on FM synth I've ever seen. Want it!

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

It's funky

[@synthesistmgroth5836]

Love the talking hand! I've had the Mega FM for a few months now and still getting my head around it. Have accidently achieved some nice sounds though.

[@jameshasseriousedoubtsabou560]

You have no idea how much I wanted this. After watching your video, I wanted to build or buy something like it so much. Then about a week later this little thing came out. Now your having a mess with it. I love it

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

weird coincidence!!!! aint it

[@PercivalThe23]

sounds really nice!

[@totallynotgale]

Got into your music recently, and I've been surprised that you also managed to make an interesting KZbin channel! Keep making good stuff, my guy.

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

hey thats awesome :D. glad you enjoy!

[@jbmaru]

The PSG chip in the Mega Drive is there for Master System compatibility (when using a cartridge adapter), and for additional channels in Mega Drive mode. The sound effects are still made for the YM2612.

[@stevenaustin4591]

Im sorely tempted to buy one of these for xmas!

[@202Electrics]

wow, i love that snare!

[@OfficialRainsynth]

I just wish I could afford this little synth. Looks like fun to play around with.

[@rainy2063]

I love this thing (compact and powerful at a same time and has a cool sound)

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

its tinyyyy ent it

[@magicAAA]

Would love the hear an hour session of only killer Mega Drive beats!

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Sounds like a plan!

[@corezone4250]

Hell yeah!! :D

[@RobbekenSynthMusic]

That’s rad! I’m in love with FM!

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Funky monkeys

[@RobbekenSynthMusic]

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER oh Ok then!

[@johngage7456]

8:18 OMG earporn

[@VELVETPERSON]

This just sick! I can't believe this is existing

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

coooooooooooool machine aint it

[@Bladavia]

I'm blown away by how good this sounds. Gonna buy one right away

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

remember!!! it tkes a bit of getting used to. but like any synth learn it, itll be awesome,

[@superhussein]

best demo of this thing i have seen!

[@Mibbzz]

My birds are going nuts listening to this video lmao love your stuff!

[@infesticon]

That is actually pretty impressive. I always like bells and xylophone type sounds on fm. Strings and things it's hard to get away from the over used dx7. But this even though if you know it's megadrive it has lots of uses away from megadrive type sounds. And it seems way easier to tweek than a lot of fm synths.

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

yeah. its got some good sounds

[@ColdClock]

That's awesome!

[@DocBolus]

FM synthesis. A strangely alluring but unpredictable kind of dark magic!!!

[@barell4]

It would be super cool to see a comparison of you version of this beast and the compact one, just to hear the differenzeeees

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

good point!

[@WhatsOnMyShelf]

That original breakout box you built would've helped _a lot_ when Jesper Jyd and Yuzo Koshiro were attempting techno on Sega's 16-bit machine. This is lovely work.

[@chinossynthesizer705]

Jesper kyd has zyrinx doesnt matter

[@SaEvSampleEverything]

OMG so cool!

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Are the drum beats coming from the same machine or an external source? The part starting at about 3:01 sounds especially awesome.

[@smadjaone]

hi from France, Sèvres near Paris ....I discovered you a short time ago , whaoooo nice dude ...

[@venelinpetrov6811]

This is the most creative and productive guy on internet

[@qwertyentertainment3349]

Really looking forward to a song made with this

[@clochard4074]

I like the new host! HANDsome guy!

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

hahahaha i missed the pun first time i read :O

[@stevenyjtsai]

COOL.... I love SEGA5 gen console FM

[@Pm-qp6tb]

Génial, your mum can be proud of you 👍, keep going

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Ha I'll try!

[@ryanmalin]

Lol you are funny man. Love the hand puppet

[@DubFreakuencies]

man I love this video, specially the mega drive in the synth and sonic singing....😅

[@HitrisonMusic]

I’ve never wanted anything so bad in my life

[@Sh1zn3t]

Oh I'm on to you now, Mega Drive!

[@gnarlysoundscapes7210]

The Kilodrone makes a nice background to your videos.

[@vasil3089]

I could really use a badass FM synth such as this.

[@godofrainbows]

This is AWESOME! The 2612 deserves its own hardware version!!!!

[@chinossynthesizer705]

This is a ym2612 kasser synths made a ym2612 where you can load presents from games

[@gooneybird808]

So dope

[@CommunityGuidelines]

Nice American accent at the beginning, lol. Ah, this synth sounds great. I need to go spend some time with my TX81Z's now.

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

lol im a bit out of practice on that accent, felt like pulling it out the bag!!!!

[@almightyEsquilax]

@@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER you've got a good bag!

[@stephenmandelbaum2027]

@@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER No way! That was you? I was sure you got an american friend to record that for you!

[@Br0ccolini]

The mega drives sound chip is awesome! far better than the snes sound chip

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

yeah i can agree to that, loads ofd people talk about the snes saound however i really aint a fan

[@nythyhel]

Sounds awesome. I have their Therapsid Mkii with 2 SID chips. Also awesome.

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Is it good?

[@nythyhel]

@@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER it's great. Knobs for nearly every feature. Same LFO linking operation as the Mega FM.

[@corezone4250]

Oh my god, like one chip didn’t sound good enough... now this is just too amazing for my ears! >c>

[@5un5hine47]

wow cool stuff

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

funky fresh

[@LeonTrimble]

I love their ay3 wot I got. I’d be interested to see you run through their Sid chip one which is similar to that thing.

[@defjeff2907]

Love the Monster Jam style voice over at the beginning. Do you have Monster Jam in the UK?

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Never heard of it 😂😂

[@albydaniels]

what are you using to sequence this with guv?

[@BoxLab24]

Yessss mine is coming tomorrow

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Wheeeey

[@tysoncarlson170]

Hey curious do you find the audio output level on your unit to be very low, just bought one used and am a little concerned. Contacted Twisted, no reply yet

[@pvanzile]

Any sense of where to purchase in the US? The shipping and VAT from Europe make it too expensive for my budget.

[@milkfork8719]

DUDE this thing is sick. If I wasn't a doorknob with synthesis I would buy the heck out of that

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Haha

[@RealNonsonic]

Dam, I need to order one.

[@aki_gong6271]

It looks rather interesting but your megadrive version was a bit more impressive sounding, wasn't it? Did you use the FX chip as well? Nice drums by the way....were they done by the megafm too? Keep up the brilliant work ;)

[@cjansson]

Looks awesome, I might have missed it but what do you use as a signal generator?

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

That's the signal generator? Maybe I'm misunderstanding the question

[@cjansson]

@@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER Yeah, I'm the one misunderstanding the whole thing, I thought initially you had a signal going into it and it manipulated it. I read up on it some more and now understand how it works (it takes midi in/midi out and outputs the audio signal via phono jacks). Sorry for noob question :)

[@lordspam2721]

What are you using for the drum machine?

[@benjaminslayton9362]

Are the drum sounds added in with a different machine?

[@honooryu5374]

6:00 I love his right hand

[@skriptico]

Figata EXTREMA my friend.

[@AgentsofRush]

Should have the sonic "ring" effect when you turn it on.

[@user-sx2iw2hq3l]

Hello. All the rhythm sounds are from this synth? I mean, it just synth or groovebox too? Thank you 🇪🇪

[@turbinegraphics16]

Could be pretty cool to help with making music for a genesis game.

[@theacematt2]

Definitely have enjoyed my time with it :) -- Could NOT get the polyphony working with the CatSkull Electronics + Sega Genesis/MegaDrive :( , but, less headaches with this overall!

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Coool

[@johngage7456]

That's because catskull disabled polyphony in an earlier firmware update they no longer ship with polyphony

[@AngeloidArtiSEA]

so if u smack it a few times, do 2 sonics fall out?

[@mechamania]

I’d love to see one of these with a POKEY (Atari 8-bit, 5200, and 7800) and SID (Commodore 64) sound chips-or two with two apiece-not only to have the first (POKEY, 1979) and second (SID, 1982) separate sound chips ever integrated into mass production computers, but also basically first and second generations of the chips - given they were designed by the same engineers. Together, they’d make sounds from more raw, heavy ones, like the MD (from the Atari POKEY) and more nuanced, “muted” (like colors, not sound) noises, more relative to the SNES, in an 8- to 16-bit comparison. If there could be only one, I’d choose the POKEY over all others, because it was the furthest ahead of its time, compared to every other - although the MIDI controlling/GUI of the Atari 8-bit s’ successor, the Atari ST, comes in a close second, being the foundation on which the first DAW (Cubase) was made. Admittedly, the Mega Drive sounds better than I’d have thought, but your version is far better - as you said, “the one (you’d) perform on.” That’s just an awesome piece of hardware/art, which reminds me of the “electronic drum set” made by DEVO, by attaching piano pickups that signaled tape-recorded loops of machine guns, factory noises, and other great stuff, for the early ‘70s... Cheers!

[@totalSLACK]

what were you using to control and sequence the different tracks?..how does that work?

[@totalSLACK]

like.. how you making the beat and the sounds at the same time?

[@reggiep75]

1:54 - Had this been around in the 80's more people would've most definitely said 'Yep, I'm gonna have a good mess about with this!'. Instead, they got a long plastic buttons, a 16 x 2 display and thought 'Sod this!' then only the psychopaths decided to engage with FM synthesis. I messed about with FM in the 90's as I had an FM synth program on the Amiga and managed to get an understanding of 4 operator FM, which was convenient as a mate had a DX21 (4 operators) and we messed about and got some lush violent and nasty basses we filtered. This is defo a nice piece of kit.

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Ha yeah. I could imagine all of them controls wouldn't have been as cheap mind

[@reggiep75]

@@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER - Yep, the 90's was the turning point for music when digital synths were no lower the gods and people wanted hand on controls and good old 70's synth chaos.

[@MrFOX-gaming]

Man! Yo're sic! :D I like you :P

[@mahbobemortazavi6257]

Dude some of these are pretty sick do more vidoes on mega fm

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Ok

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

Okay, why did I not know this MegaFM existed!!

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

well you do now

[@hepatitis123]

If you connect it to a video source and dial in the sounds just right, can it play Sonic 3?

[@Spaghettaboutit]

No and Yes.... you can't connect it to a "video source" but you can dial in the sounds (non drum/non sampled bits) that Sonic 3 had if you wanna tinker with it. If you want to just use a Genesis synth that can use the sound presets of the games, then check out either the DAFM SYNTH or the MEGA MIDI - I own both, the MEGA MIDI is a better plug and play synth, while the DAFM is like a cross between the MEGA MIDI and the MEGAFM, where you can tweak the FM operators and settings on the fly. CHECK THEM OUT!

[@christopheverwimp3349]

Hi Sam, Thanks for opening the megafm. Do you think removing both YM2612 chips and replacing them by YM3438 is easy and possible? According to hackaday.io the YM2612 and YM3438 are interchangable for their DAFM Synth, the only difference is the output level and this simply seams to be a pair of 2.2k resistors on the output for the YM2612 (as explained on their DIY project in step 8). Could that be a quick and simple hack, both chips sounds different! Best regards C.

[@frankie5671]

mind blown

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Boooom

[@fyeknight5705]

I would buy this.